Housing 21 News

Social well-being in extra care housing

A report examining how social well-being can be promoted in extra care housing has been published this month by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The report, based on a research study undertaken between Housing 21 and the University of the West of England (UWE), is particularly timely given the increasing importance of well-being as an issue framing policy across health, housing and social care.

Housing 21 Research Manager Sarah Vallelly said that commissioning extra care housing is not just about ‘bricks and mortar’ but needs to include proposals on how services and facilities can also promote well-being.

“The study will help Housing 21 and our partners to identify the range of factors that are important, and ensure they are in place from the outset,” Sarah said.

Carried out in six Housing 21 extra care schemes across the country the study explored many examples of good practical approaches to supporting social well-being. Residents and staff in each scheme were interviewed, and their views helped identify a range of factors that play a part in promoting social well-being in extra care housing.

“It investigates issues such as the value of friendship and social interaction and how a range of activities and facilities can be developed to support social relationships.

“It identifies ways to engage the wider community; outlines best practice in building designs to promote social well being and comments on staffing and management issues,” she said.

The research also considers the importance of facilities, such as shops and restaurants, as important venues for social interaction, and explores ways of identifying and supporting people who may be particularly vulnerable to being socially isolated.

For further information, contact Sarah Vallelly, Housing 21 Research Manager on 0370 192 4511 or by email sarah.vallelly@housing21.co.uk

To read a review of this report, please visit http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2008/01/09/106907/extra-care-and-older-people-jill-manthorpe-reviews-two-pieces-of-research.html

To access the report please visit http://www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/details.asp?pubID=912.